Etihad gets ready for launch of Milan service

Dubai: Etihad Airways is gearing up for the launch of its three flights-per-week Abu Dhabi to Milan service which starts on September 2.

Milan will be Etihad's first destination in Italy and the Abu Dhabi-based airline's sixth new route of 2007, which includes Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Dublin.

The new flights will connect the UAE capital with Italy's financial, industrial, fashion and sporting centre, providing a frequent service for business and leisure travellers between the Middle East and southern Europe.

Geert Boven, Etihad Airways' executive vice-president (sales and services), said, "Milan will be Etihad's ninth European city on our expanding flight network, and underlines further our pledge to provide customers with services to the world's major commercial and leisure destinations."

Inaugural flight

Etihad's inaugural flight to Milan takes place a week before the Formula 1 Italian grand prix in Monza on September 9 which will feature the Etihad-sponsored Spyker racing team.

Etihad is offering return fares from Dh9,330 for first class, Dh7,330 for business class and Dh1,330 for economy. Etihad will operate a three-class A330-200 aircraft which is configured to carry 12 passengers in first class, 26 in business class and 164 in economy.

The new Abu Dhabi-Milan service is expected to be be popular with the growing Italian community in the UAE which currently stands at 2,000 with more than 100 Italian firms registered in the country.